It is not surprising, during an entire lifetime, most people will experience some form of trauma. In the developmental years, trauma can affect the development of the brain and in adulthood it can rewire processing. When trauma is left untreated, it can have a significant impact on us at unexpected times in our lives. Left untreated, trauma can compound and form into complex trauma. Veterans are at a significantly higher risk for complex trauma.
In Episode 7 Part 1, Donna and Jay continue their mini-series on the brain. They bring in Dr. Connie Siciliano Avila (aka Dr. Connie) to talk about trauma, levels of trauma, trauma responses, treatment for trauma and how family and friends can support their loved ones dealing with trauma.
Dr. Connie is a Texas Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor: She has experience in clinical and nonclinical settings, such as a psychiatric hospital, independent practice, and health & wellness center. She earned her Doctorate degree at Texas Woman’s University. Her areas of specialized focus include trauma, addiction, family, and diversity issues. She is best known for her work with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. She has been treating complex trauma since 2005.
Contact information and resources for Dr. Connie
Website: www.MindSproutsPGT.com (can send an email through the website)
Where to find a therapist that deals with trauma.
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
Connect with Donna:
Website: www.rebel-llc.com
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
Connect with Jay:
Website: j2servantleadership.com
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
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Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
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Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline—where preparation meets purpose.
Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.